Shore Lines - saratogalake.org

Shore Lines

The Saratoga Lake Association P.O. Box 2152

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

June 3, 2015

Editors: Julie Annotto sinnidi@

Sharon Urban urbans@nycap.

Bob McKenna introduces granddaughter, Finley Marie McKenna (age 1) to one of our beautiful sunsets.

Fireworks July 3

Sponsored by the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District

Ready to Launch

Note from the President

During the more than a decade that I have had a home in Saratoga, the lack of public access to Saratoga Lake has fostered the misperception that the residents around the lake are somehow not part of the overall community. With the exception of the NY State public boat launch and the many visitors who come to participate in the various rowing regattas, most of the access to Saratoga Lake has been private only. This is in contrast to several years ago when there were several public access venues including Brown's Beach, Kaydeross Park and Ryall's (later the Waterfront Restaurant). The level of nostalgic memories to these venues and particularly to Brown's Beach is evidenced by the amount of e-mails and Facebook questions I have received over the past year.

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ATTENTION NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS

Want to buy or sell?

By popular request, Shore Lines will accept items you would like to sell, as well as items you are looking to buy.

Guidelines:

no real estate or rentals limit of 4 items photos depending on room Include clear contact information for buyers/sellers

There is no charge for this service. Items will be published one time only unless re-submitted before next Shore Lines deadline. Email items to sell or buy to Julie at sinnidi@ by June 12.

SLA is not responsible for any transactions between the sellers and buyers

Many of you have a social gathering and business meeting over the summer, when you also elect officers. We are asking that you provide us with contact information of an individual who can and would send emails to your members when we have things like weather alerts, event reminders, or various messages of importance. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. Send information to Julie at sinnidi@.

CELEBRATIONS---salutations, relaxation, imagination, expressions, impressions all abound on the lake. Make connections, be creative, snap some photos and share with our Shore Lines readers. Send your submissions to Julie at sinnidi@. Next deadline June 17.

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President, continued from page 1 Due to a combination of the rapid growth in Saratoga

County and the lack of public access, many have not experienced the beauty and joy that is Saratoga Lake. When people think of Saratoga, they think of the thoroughbred track, SPAC, downtown, and the Spa Park and often Saratoga Lake is not even on their radar. Saratoga Lake is another facet of the diamond that is Saratoga, only many are either not aware of it or may even take it for granted. Very few other communities throughout the United States have all that the Saratoga area has to offer including a beautiful lake.

With the above background, Saturday, May 30, 2015 was a transformational event for the entire area with the grand re-opening of Brown's Beach. Watching the ribboncutting and seeing all of the children running onto the beach and jumping into the water brought back many wonderful memories for their parents and grandparents. Enjoying ice cream and hot dogs at the beach, viewing the fireworks over the lake and many other planned events will provide these youngsters the opportunity to make their own wonderful memories. Most of all, the restored beach provides access to all including those who do not live on the lake. This will help reinvigorate a sense of community by providing all an opportunity to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities of Saratoga Lake

This restoration of public access has not been a simple process and many people have been involved through grants, volunteer services and sweat to make this a reality. Town of Stillwater Supervisor Ed Kinowski will always be the first one to recognize the efforts of others. At the

Award presented to Ed Kinowski from the SLA

ribbon-cutting, Ed praised Tony Panza of Dock Brown's , Mike Mennetto of Mennetto Power Sports, Mike Russo and Greg Connors of Global Foundries, Town of Malta Supervisor Paul Sausville, the leaders and employees of Saratoga County and the Towns of Stillwater and Malta, all the companies that made donations and the many locals who volunteered.

Returning public access to Brown's Beach was definitely a huge collaborative effort. It is, however, really the vision and efforts of one modest man who is mostly responsible and that man is Ed or "Eddie" as he likes top be called. I can personally recount the many times I saw him on his own time with hammer, shovel or paint brush in hand leading the volunteers by example and doing whatever needed to be done to turn this vision into reality.

From my personal perspective, the restored Beach is beautiful and beyond my expectations. While plans for additional features and events are on the horizon, it is time for all of us to take this moment to stop and smell the roses. So please join me and the Saratoga Lake Association in saluting Ed and the entire team for a job well done.

All my best, Alan

New Addition to the SLA Board of Directors

"I have lived on Saratoga Lake (Snake Hill) for the last 26 years but have been coming to the lake since I was a small child. I grew up in Troy and my grandparents had a small fishing boat with an outboard which they kept at Roger's Boat Livery, a marina near the bridge where Point Breeze is now located. They brought me to the lake to fish all throughout my childhood. My grandmother cleaned and cooked whatever fish we caught and I think these wonderful memories are what prompted me to move here later with my family. My kids are now grown but my wife, Karen, and I are still in the same house and my son and his family built a home across the street.

Professionally, I worked in an accounting firm and became a CPA after graduating from Siena College. After several years I moved to St. Clare's Hospital where I worked in various financial positions and eventually became the Chief Financial Officer. Following that position I was employed by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Health Care System. The system owned many hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities in seven different states. I started out as the Vice President of Finance and became the President and CEO. Since my retirement in 2003 I have worked intermittently as a financial consultant in the area of health care.

In my free time I enjoy golf, skiing and aviation. I have been a pilot for more than forty years and I still love flying as much as when I first started.

We recently sold a home we had for many years in South Carolina and now I have time and would like to become more involved In lake activities. I have enjoyed the lake my whole life and would like to give something back.

Jim Flynn

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Brown's Beach Opening Celebration May 30, 2015

Photos by Bob Eastman

REAL ESTATE NEWS

It's only human nature to be curious as to what our homes may be worth. For many of us our homes are our largest single asset or the largest purchase that we will make in our lifetime

Whatever the national trends are with regard to real estate -- whether they are booming or busting--what really matters is what the conditions are in our particular market. What we read in the newspapers or hear on the news may not be particularly relevant to our Saratoga Lake marketplace.

All real estate is local; the conditions in our market are very specific to us and not necessarily the same as elsewhere, even within Saratoga County. For the purpose of defining and looking at our local market we consider homes surrounding Saratoga Lake that have a water view and lakefront or water/dock rights as reported in the Capital District Multiple Listing Serve (MLS) as of 5/28/15.

During the last three months there have been three property sales with an average price of $296,333 and median price of $315,000. Currently there are five listings that are pending. The average listing price is $403,380 and the median listing price is $397,000. When the final sales prices are reported, the results of these two metrics will likely be somewhat reduced. However, the overall sales price trend will likely be improving.

There are currently 25 Active listings that are available for sale. The average price for these properties is $597,075 and the medium price is $456,000. It should be noted that the higher relative average price is a function of the number of offerings (8) that are PRICED over $700,000.

No doubt the inventory of alternative listings will have a significant impact on a final price. A relatively large number of long-time lake residents have decided that the time is right to "test the waters" and list their homes for Sale. The prices of Active offerings don't necessarily tell the entire story. The market will decide if the list price of a given property is realistic in the current market. Ultimately, the Buyer and Seller will agree on the "true value" after negotiation and the completion of a Purchase Agreement and the final closing.

Thomas "Zealie" Van Raalte Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Prudential Manor Homes 376 Broadway Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Cell: 518- 928-3224 Office: 518- 584-0600 Ext# 232 Email: zvanraalte@

*The information in this report was gathered from third party sources including the seller and public records. CRMLS and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.

Active properties:

Address

Price

1253 Route 9P 11 Make Your Own Way 736 Route 9P 774 Lake Avenue 120 Meadowbrook Rd. 66 Lake Shore Dr. 102 11th St. 27 Whitestone Rd. 1 Kozy Lane 54 Shore Avenue 25 Palmer Heights 1344 Route 9P 1191 Route 9P 2 Halyard Court 68 Lake Shore Drive 2 Creek Bend 110-112 Garnsey Lane 53 Ferry Lane 1168 Route 9P 114 4th Street 12 Windermere Rd. 87 Rodgers Lane 517 Crescent Avenue 49 Ferry Lane 107 4th Street

$1,190,000 $1,150,000 $1,150,000 $1,025,000 $995,000 $975,000 $850,000 $795,000 $699,000 $589,000 $525,000 $499,900 $456,000 $420,000 $399,999 $399,900 $399,900 $377,500 $338,000 $329,000 $325,000 $299,900 $274,900 $224,900 $184,000

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BR Bath

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Pending Sales:

4 Cedar Bluff Ct. 1231 Route 9P 20 Riley Cove Rd. 104 11th St. 122 9th Street 958 State Rt. 29

$990,000 $775,000 $475,000 $397,000 $230,000 $139,000

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Sold:

538 Union Avenue 4174 Silver Beach Rd. 18 Lake Avenue

$315,000 $190,000 $384,000

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For more information on these properties, visit Blake Realty's web site at .

Remember the Speed Limit?

With the coming of summer and the conditions of the pavement on Route 9P, it is even more important that you remember the 35 mph speed limit. Be aware of the bikers that we share the road with. Let's try to be considerate of everyone using 9P!

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Travel Tales

Todd and I departed on 5/11 for a 9 day motor coach tour of Ireland with our longtime friends, Lynda and Larry Byrne. It was one of our most favorite traveling adventures. We visited Dublin, Galway, Connemara, Killarney (our favorite city), Blarney and Waterford. The Irish people were very welcoming and all so much fun to be with. We enjoyed the cuisine and all the excursions that were provided by The C.I.E. International Tour Company. One of our favorite excursions was surprisingly the sheepdog demonstration in Caherconnell. We would've skipped this had we been touring on our own. We loved Ireland but still...there's no place like home. --- Nancy Fitzpatrick Rasner

Clonmacnoise Monastery on the River Shannon. From the eighth to the tenth centuries, it boasted a Scriptorium where calligraphy and decoration were perfected and metal workers created the finest Celtic craftwork in gold, silver and bronze. It's one of Ireland's most important heritage sites.

Ring of Kerry with our friends Lyn and Larry Byrne. The variety of scenery amazed us. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains and the heavily indented Atlantic coastline.

Kylemore Abbey / Toured elegant rooms in the mansion and the charming church. It's set beside a tranquil lake. The nuns now market the best chocolate bars ever.

Blarney Castle/ Todd climbed to the top for a beautiful view but didn't kiss the stone. I admired the gardens and parkland around the castle and enjoyed shopping in Blarney Woolen Mills.

Killarney/our favorite of the Irish cities that we toured. We went on a horse drawn buggy ride of the Kilarney National Park. Pictures just couldn't capture the beauty of the park. .....My biggest frustration on this adventure.

Meet the Stewards

The 2015 Saratoga Lake Watershed Steward season is already underway starting with a busy Memorial Day weekend. The stewards are very ambitious and excited to see a lot of public outreach and environmental education this summer especially with the addition of the decontamination unit for Saratoga Lake underway. You can find at least one of them at the Saratoga State Boat Launch every day, drop in and say "Hello"! (submitted by Cristina Connolly, SLPID Commissioner for the City of Saratoga Springs)

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A toast for success at Brown's Beach Opening

Three young ladies, Abby, Jordan and Charlie, had a toast at the Grand Opening Celebration at Brown's Beach. They are the granddaughters of Bob and Cathy McKenna.

Left to Right: Megan Gorss (SUNY ESF) Derek Osborn (Paul Smith's College) Alexandra Morency (Alfred University) Casey Young (Paul Smith's College)

From Times Union May 28, 2015

Please read carefully and take precautions

NUMBER OF THE DAY -- 27

That's the number of fatal boating accidents in New York State in 2014, ranking No. 4 in the nation, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Nationally, drowning was the reported cause of death in 75 percent of recreational boating fatalities last year; 84 percent of those who drowned

were not wearing life jackets.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

Tech Corner

Windows 10, the new operating system from Microsoft, is set to officially release on July 29. It will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users.

In the coming days, you will see a window pop up on your computer that says "Get Windows 10". Click on it, and reserve your copy. You'll get an email on the release date and you can install it whenever you have the time. If you have any questions about Windows 10, I made a long post about it on my blog which you can find here. https:// capitalregiontech.2015/02/11/windows-10 -preview/.

I will also be helping people upgrade when the time comes.

Steve Bleznyk bleznyk1@ 518-701-9058

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News from Saratoga Rowing

Though winter lasted far longer than we at SRA had hoped, and it made for a very busy and stressful spring, we are proud to report that the SRA team thrived this season under the pressure. For the first time in as long as I can remember, our 3 weekend home racing season enjoyed wonderful temperatures and no rain! I will be honest and say that I was nervous about the last weekend of April... for a while we were not sure if the ice would thaw in time! Mother nature came through though, and then rewarded us for our patience with some fantastic weather once the ice went out.

When the river finally did permit it, SRA hit the water with a record numbers of athletes. This spring the junior competitive team fielded 187 rowers and the adaptive program grew to 12 athletes. These record numbers, along with the reinvigorated adult program and the fully subscribed camps for 8-12 year olds confirm our need to expand our training facilities to the soon to be renovated Lakeside Market!

Our Spring season is now concluding, and while the structure of the season seems simple: indoor training until thaw, on the water training until end of April, home regatta season until middle of may, away regatta season until beginning of June (this year we traveled to Philly, Camden NJ, and St. Catherine's Ontario.) the simplicity of the structure does not accurately depict the challenge of the planning. We are already beginning to work on next year. While we recognize this as hard work... I am happy to report that that hard work led to one of our most successful seasons on the water.

The highlights of the national championships included 7 girls boats and 8 boys boats earning bids to the national championships. Of those 15 boats we won 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 3 Bronze. Notably, the Junior Girls Quad bronze was won by a boat of girls from Ballston Spa high school (who train with the Saratoga Rowing Assoc.) The freshmen boys quad and freshmen girls eight each maintained a multi-year winning streak - keeping our excitement for a promising future - and the Senior Girls eight finished the day

with a come from behind win by less than a tenth of a second to become the first repeat champion in over a decade. You can see a video clip of SRA narrowly edging out New Trier from Chicago and Winter Park, FL for the win HERE.

With the season now over, we have a little bit of down time before the rowing shifts to the early mornings and the summer season begins. During the down time we encour-

age the kids to bring a friend to try rowing and this year we will have a free Learn-toRow day on June 20th in the am. This will be open to any adults and children who are entering 7th grade and above. Come on out and give it a try for a few hours... if you like it, we have plenty of learn-to-row camps at different times during the summer to fit your schedule (for adults and children alike). We will be getting the info out about the Free Learn-to-Row day shortly. Once again, SRA would like to thank the town and the lake community for helping make this place such a great community, we are continually reminded how awesome Saratoga is when the visiting teams tell us how much they love coming here.

Eric Catalano Executive Director Saratoga Rowing Assoc.

Spotlight on News

If you're looking for a place to bring the family that is close and full of history, visit a home of the 18th president of the United States. Grant Cottage opens for season

Here's another great story on Brown's Beach. It has a bit of an historical bent and Saratoga Living did a great job on this story. .

New DEC regulations that took effect in April prohibit striped bass between 28 inches and 40 inches long ....... From being taken out of ........the Hudson River, which is the range most of the tournament's fish fell into. Policy change cancels bass fishing tournament

Stewart's donates $1M to Albany Med

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HAPPY 91st BIRTHDAY Shirley Renzi June 6, 2015

Shirley a longtime lake resident and friend. Happiness is living well, laughing often, and loving greatly. Wishing you another year of good health

and happiness. HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY

Virginia & Tom Clark traveled to Carrollton, Georgia, to attend the wedding of their granddaughter, Alexis (pictured), on May 16th.

Featured at the Grand Opening of Brown's Beach were giant Adirondack chairs. Guests were invited to dip their hands in paint and leave their handprints on the chair for posterity's sake. Virginia Clark opted to sit on one of the chairs "before" the painting!

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